Here are some of the most common reasons why people choose manual transmissions over automatics.
Control - Many drivers prefer the enhanced sense of control that comes with the additional attention required to drive a manual transmission They also get better performance when passing, and better road feel when rounding curves and driving on steep hills, especially when they're slippery. Many also believe that the more interactive style of driving helps them to remain more alert.
Save Money - Driven to full efficiency manual shift vehicles offer the best economy. The acquisition cost alone can save you $1,000 - $4,000 or more, plus the additional taxes and finance charges. Your fuel savings can vary from 10% - 15%, which could easily add up to several hundred dollars per year. Brake replacements tend to be less frequent and transmission repairs do not require a specialist.
Vehicle Choice - Some vehicles come available only in manual shift. This may be especially true of new sports cars during the early stage of their launch into the market. There are also those who derive tremendous pleasure out of driving a manual transmission correctly. For these people sheer joy of driving is unimaginable without a manual transmission. Once they drive one they will probably choose it for life.
ADVANTAGES OF KNOWING HOW TO DRIVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION:
SAVE ON CAR RENTALS—Traveling to Europe? Renting a vehicle is certainly a convenient way to wander off the beaten path and discover less well-known attractions. Renting a manual transmission can save you thousands of dollars and you have a wider range of vehicle selection. The fact is, most European rent-a-car agencies rent only stick shifts. Automatics are rare and very pricey. What’s more, even when you book ahead, you can’t be guaranteed of getting one.
GET BETTER DEALS WHEN CAR SHOPPING—When shopping “for wheels,” you get more to choose from. Take advantage of a good deal that come available simply because the vehicle has a manual transmission.
MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES—Let Shifters help give you that extra edge when a job opportunity knocks. Whether it’s landing a role in a film or being a hotel valet or a car jockey, knowing how to drive a shift opens up countless jobs.
SHARE THE DRIVING —Having more than one driver on long trips can be much more relaxing. Being able to chip in and offer relief to a tired driver can certainly enhance the pleasure of taking a trip by car. And it’s a lot safer, too!
DRIVE IN AN EMERGENCY –You’re better able to respond to any emergency, especially if immediate medical attention is required. Possessing the skill to drive a manual vehicle can make all the difference. And save lives. Though less urgent, but equally as important, you can be the designated driver when a friend has had “one too many.”
UPGRADING TO A HIGHER CLASS LICENSE IS EASIER—Many truck-driving schools insist that you know how to drive shift to register in their programs because manual shift drivers adapt easily to driving truck transmissions. In addition, manual drivers learn to operate other classes of manual transmission vehicles, such as motorcycles and formula racecars, more easily.
BECOME A BETTER DRIVER— Learning to drive a manual shift will add to your driving skills and awareness. If you enjoy driving now, you’ll LOVE driving a manual shift!